Wiring block having detachable leg assemblies

ABSTRACT

A wiring block, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a base having at least one wiring strip snap lock mounted thereto and having a leg assembly snap lock mounted at each end of the base. The leg assemblies provide a space behind the wiring block (when mounted) for cables/wires that are to be terminated at the wiring block. The detachable leg assemblies are an important feature of the present invention as they provide for improved cable/wire management during installations, moves and changes, as compared to that of the prior art. The base has openings between selected wiring strips for allowing cables/wires to pass through also improving cable/wire management. Further, the wiring strip includes spaced notches to facilitate wiring thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to wiring blocks for use primarily inthe communications industry. More specifically, this invention relatesto a novel wiring block having removable legs and snap-in wiring strips.

Wire connecting systems of the type described herein are well known andcommercially available from AT&T Technologies as the 110 connectorsystem. The 110 type wiring systems are described in several priorpatents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,611,264; 3,798,581 and 4,118,095. AnAT&T Technologies 110A type wiring block comprises a base havingintegrally molded legs at each end thereof. The legs provide a spacebehind the wiring block (when mounted) for cables that are to beterminated on the wiring block. Further, each leg terminates at arespective foot, with each foot having a plurality of mounting holestherethrough. An upper surface of the base has a plurality oflongitudinal slots with spaced mounting holes through the base. A wiringstrip is secured in each of the slots by a plurality of posts extendingfrom the lower surface of the strip through the mounting holes in theslots. The posts are heat staked to the base at its lower surface. Thelegs extend upwardly past the base and terminate at platforms. Opposingsurfaces of each outer pair of the legs include a retaining edge forresiliently securing designation strips.

The 110A type wiring block suffers from several disadvantages andproblems. The legs are permanently attached thereto and often obstructwire/cable management during installations, moves and changes. Further,the heat staking of the wiring strips to the base is believed toincrease assembly time and coal of the wiring block. The solid base ofthe 110A type wiring block restricts wire/cable layoul by limitingaccess to the wiring strips to the sides and ends of the wiring block.

The AT&T Technologies 110T type wiring block employs wiring strips whichare snap lock mounted onto the base of the wiring block. This snap lockmounting feature is provided by a pair of resiliently deflectable armsextending upwardly from the lower end of the post extending downwardlyfrom the lower surface of the wiring strip. The arms from each post areretained within corresponding openings in the base by retaining edgestherein which engage the arms. The 110T type wiring block does notinclude integrally molded legs. However, a bracket having legs may beattached at the lower surface of the base.

The 110T type wiring block suffers from many of the same disadvantagesas the 110A type wiring block. The bracket of the 110T type wiring blockmust be attached prior to wiring the block. Accordingly, this bracketalso obstructs wire/cable management during installation. moves andchanges. Further, the base of the 110T wiring block as well as theattaching surface of the bracket are solid, thereby restricting accessto the wiring strips to entry from the sides and ends of the wiringblock.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies of the priorart are overcome or alleviated by the wiring block of the presentinvention. In accordance with the present invention, the wiring blockcomprises a base having at least one wiring strip snap lock mountedthereto and having a leg assembly snap lock mounted at each end of thebase. The leg assemblies provide a space behind the wiring block (whenmounted) for cables/wires that are to be terminated at the wiring block.The detachable leg assemblies are an important feature of the presentinvention as they provide for improved cable/wire management duringinstallations, moves and changes, as compared to that of theaforementioned prior art.

The base has openings between selected wiring strips for allowingcables/wires to pass through also improving cable/wire management.Further, the wiring strip includes spaced notches to facilitate wiringthereto. The prior art described hereinbefore is devoid of any teachingor suggestion of the above novel features.

The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a perspective partially broken away view of a wiring block maccordance with the prior art:

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wiring block in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 3A-C are views of a base of the wiring block of FIG. 2 whereinFIG. 3A is a top view thereof, FIG. 3B is an end view thereof, and FIG.3C is a bottom view thereof;

FIGS. 4A-B are views of a wiring strip of the wiring block of FIG. 2whereto FIG. 4A is a side elevational view thereof and FIG. 4B is a topview thereof;

FIGS. 5A-B are views of a leg assembly of the wiring block of FIG. 2wherein FIG. 5A is a first end perspective view thereof and FIG. 5B is asecond end perspective view thereof;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a wiring block in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-C are views of a base of a wiring block in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention wherein FIG. 7A is a topview thereof, FIG. 7B is an end view thereof, and FIG. 7C is a sideelevational view thereof;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a leg assembly for use with the base of FIGS.7A-C;

FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view of a wiring block inaccordance with still another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating one possibleconfiguaration of wiring blocks of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to prior art FIG. 1, an AT&T Technologies 110A type wiringblock is shown generally at 50. Wiring block 50 comprises a base 52having integrally molded legs 54 and 56 at each end thereof. Legs 54 and56 provide a space behind wiring block 50 (when mounted) for cables thatare to be terminated on wiring block 50. Further, legs 54 and 56 eachterminate at a mounting member 58 and 60, respectively, with each memberhaving a plurality of mounting holes 62 therethrough. An upper surface64 of base 52 has a plurality of longitudinal slots with spaced mountingholes through base 52. A wiring strip 66 is secured in each of the slotsby a plurality of posts 68 extending from the lower surface of strip 66through the mounting holes in the slots. Posts 68 are heat staked tobase 52 at its lower surface. Legs 54 and 56 extend upwardly past base52 and terminate at platforms 70. Opposing surfaces of each outer pairof legs 54 and 56 include a retaining edge 72 for resiliently securingdesignation strips (not shown).

The 110A type wiring block 50 suffers from several disadvantages andproblems. The legs 54 and 56 are permanently attached thereto and oftenobstruct wire/cable management during installations, moves and changes.Further, the heat staking of the wiring strips 66 to base 52 is believedto increase assembly time of the wiring block 50. The solid base 52 oftile 110A type wiring block 50 restricts wire/cable layout by limitingaccess to the wiring strips 66 to entry from the sides and ends ofwiring block 50.

Referring to FIG. 2, a wiring block in accordance with the presentinvention is shown generally at 100. Wiring block 100 comprises a base102 having a first leg assembly 104 removably attached at one end ofbase 102 and a second leg assembly 106 removably attached at the otherend of base 102. A Plurality of wiring strips 108 are snap took mountedonto base 102 at one surface thereof. While four wiring strips 108 areshown in FIG. 2, it is contemplated by the present invention that anynumber of wiring strips may be employed with an appropriate base. It isan important feature of the present invention that leg assemblies 104and 106 are removably attached to base 102.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-C, base 102 includes an upper surface 110 with aplurality of longitudinally extending channels 112 therein. Each channel112 has a plurality of rectangular openings 114 therethrough. Retainingledges 115 are defined within opening 114 for retaining wiring strips108 on base 102. At each end of base 102 in alignment with each channel112 is an upright member 116. The outer upright members 118 eachcomprises a member 120 extending upwardly from base 102 and terminate ina generally rectangular platform 122. A slot 124 extends through a lowerportion of member 120 and includes a perpendicular notch 125 at thelower end thereof. Notch 125 and slot 124 form a cross shaped openingwhich aids in the alignment and secure attachment of the correspondingleg assembly 104, 106. Also a retaining ledge 126 is defined at theinner facing surface of slot 124 for retaining the corresponding legassembly 104, 106. Extending from one side of each member 120 is aretaining edge 127 with a cooperating angled surface 128. Also, aprotuding member 130 extends from the same side of member 120 as doesedge 127 and surface 128, with member 130 being adjacent to surface 128.Edge 127, surface 128 and member 130 provide means for retaining adesignation strip 129 (FIG. 6) described hereinafter. The inner uprightmembers 132 each comprises a member 134 extending upwardly from base 102and terminating in a generally rectangular platfore 136 with an openportion 138. A slot 140 extends through a lower portion of member 134and includes a perpendicular notch 141 at the lower end thereof. Notch141 and slot 140 form a cross shaped opening which aids in the alignmentand secure attachment of the corresponding leg assembly 104, 106. Also,a retaining ledge 142 is defined at the outer facing surfaces of slots140 for retaining the corresponding leg assembly 104, 106. Extendingfrom opposing sides of each member 134 are retaining edges 143 with acooperating angled surface 144. Also, a protruding member 146 extendsfrom the same sides of member 134 as does edge 143 and surface 144, withmember 146 being adjacent to surface 144. Edge 143, surface 144 andmember 146 provide means for retaining designation strip 129 (FIG. 6).

A plurality of openings defined by an accurate surface 148 are disposedat the ends of base 102 between selected channels 112. These openingsprovide an access for cables/wires that are to be connected to wiringblock 100. An attachment hole 149 through base 102 is disposed near eachsurface 148 for an alternate removable attachment means for attachingleg assemblies 104 and 106 to base 102 (e.g. screws). Additionalopenings 150 between selected channels 112 also provide an access forthese cables/wires. These opertings 150 are an important feature of thepresent invention as they provide for improved cable/wire management ascompared to the aforementioned prior art.

Also base 102 has a plurality of mounting holes 152 through each side ofbase 102. Holes 152 correspond in location with the openings defined bysurface 148 and opening 150. Holes 152 allow for lateral attachment ofwiring block 100 to another wiring block or an adjacent surface at sidewall 37 without the need for direct support of bottom surface 139.Further, if base 102 is to be used without leg assemblies 104 and 106,then mounting holes 154 along the edges of base 102 may be employed forattachment to a surface or mounting bracket along the length of wiringblock 102.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-B, wiring strip 108 has a plurality of spacedapart teeth 156, 158 along the length of its upper surface 160. Teeth156 and 158 are separated by channels 159 with detent feature 161 oneither side of opening 164. Channels 159 are defined by resilient sidewalls which extend inwardly towards opening 164 from both front and backsurfaces of teeth 156 and 158. It will be appreciated that channels 157are of an approximate size and shape to fixedly position an insulatedwire 163 such that it extends across opening 164 for electricalconnection to connector block 162 (FIG. 6, described hereinafter. Teeth156 and 158 alternate in height and include tapered sides to preventincorrect location and to facilitate interconnection of the teeth 156and 158 and a row of beam contacts from a connector block 162. Strip 108also has a row of rectangular openings 164 for accepting the beamcontacts. To detachably interlock connector block 162 and wiring strip108, an angled, cylindrical protrusion 166 on each side of teeth 156 and158 and a corresponding plurality of openings in connector block 162 areprovided. A longitudinal rail 168 depends downwardly from the lowersurface 170 of strip 108. Rail 168 is received in corresponding channel112 of base 102. A plurality of posts 172 extend downwardly from thelower surface 174 of rail 168. A pair of upwardly and outwardlyextending resilient arms 176 depend from opposing sides of the lowermost end of each post 172. Posts 172 and associated arms 176 passthrough openings 114 of base 102, wherein arms 176 engage ledges 115,thereby retaining wiring strips 108 to base 102. Wiring strip 108 alsoincludes a plurality of notches 177 at each side thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, leg assembly 104 is shown. Leg assembly 104 isthe same as leg assembly 106 so that only assembly 104 will be describedin detail herein. Leg assembly 104 comprise a plurality of leg members178. The number of leg members 178 preferably corresponds to the numberof wiring strips 108 that base 102 is designed to hold, in this examplefour. Each leg member 178 is generally "S" shaped having planer upperand lower surfaces 180 and 182 respectively. The lower end of member 178are connected by a first generally rectangular mounting plate 184 havingmounting hole 186 therethrough. The upper end of members 178 areconnected by a second generally rectangular mounting plate 188. Plate188 has a pair of accurate portions 190 which align with surfaces 148 onbase 102 to provide an access for cables/wires that are to be connectedto wiring block 100, as described hereinbefore. Also, a pair ofattachment holes 192 are provided through plate 188 which align withholes 149 in base 102 to provide a more permanent means for attachingbase 102 to the leg assembly if so desired.

A cross shaped profusion 194 depends upwardly from the upper planersurface 180 of each member 178. Protrusions 194 mate with the crossopenings in base 102 formed by slots 124 and notches 125 and by slots140 and notches 141. The leg assembly includes snap lock mounting meansat each end thereof. The snap lock mounting means comprises a resilientarm 196 extending upwardly from respective end protrusions 194 inalignment with corresponding members 178. Arms 196 extend intocorresponding slots 124 and 140 in base 102. The uppermost portion ofarms 196 include a latch which faces outwardly away from the legassembly as defined by a retaining edge 198. Edges 198 engagecorresponding retaining edges 126 and 142 in slots 124 and 140respectively of base 102. Further, a tab 200 depends from the upper endof each arm 196 for defeating the latch when detaching the leg assemblyfrom base 102.

Referring primarily to FIG. 6 wiring block 100 comprises leg assemblies104 and 106, base 102, wiring strips 108 and designation strip 129.Wiring block 100 is designed for use with a plurality of connectorblocks 162 (only one connector block 162 is shown in FIG. 6 for purposesof illustration). When connecting leg assemblies 104 and 106 to base 102arms 196 are urged into slots 124 which causes arms 196 to be forcedinwardly until arms 196 snap back outwardly and edges 198 engage ledges126. At the same time protrusions 194 are received in correspondingcross openings in base 102. Alternately leg assemblies 104 and 106 canbe removably attached to base 102 by screws or the like throughattachment holes 149 in base 102 and holes 192 in the leg assemblies.

Connector block 162 may be the wire termination block described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,964,812, incorporated herein by reference, or any othersuitable termination block (e.g.. AT&T Technologies series 110Cconnector systems). Connector block 162 comprises a one piece moldedhousing 202. Housing 202 is substantially rectangular in shape andincludes a plurality of spaced apart teeth 204 and 206 along the lengthof its upper surface. Teeth 204 and 206 alternate and are staggered inheight to facilitate indexing of a set ofconductors in wire strainrelief slots. Also, as is conventional with connecting blocks of thistype, the teeth include tapered sides to facilitate entry of the set ofwire conductors.

The lower portion of housing 202 includes a U-shaped cavity 208 formedby two depending sides 210 and 212 of housing 202. Within cavity 208 andspaced between the upper and lower surfaces of housing 202 is a planarmolded floor having a plurality of rectangular openings therethrough.The openings are sized to receive and position individual beam contacts214. The spaced openings continue through the upper portion of housing202 through the staggered teeth 204, 206 to form opposed channels forreceiving and positioning beam contacts 214 during assembly and thetermination of insulated wires.

The lower edges 216 of sides 210 and 212 of housing 202 have a scallopedconfiguration comprised of spaced radii 218. Between each radius 218 isan opening 220 for engaging the angled cylindrical protrusions 166 onwiring strip 108 for fixedly attaching block 126 to strip 108.

Designation strip 129 comprise a preferably transparent member 221having a length sufficient for being disposed between members 130 and146 at opposing ends of base 102. Inwardly angled sides 222 depend frommember 221 along the entire length thereof. Each side 222 terminates ina turned up portion 224. Strip 129 is pushed onto base 102 at surfaces128 and 144 which urge resilient upright members 116 outwardly untilupright members 116 snap back inwardly and portions 224 engage edges 127and 143.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-C and 8, wherein like elements to the FIGS. 2-6embodiment are numbered alike, the tabs for defeating the latch of theleg assemblies from the base are disposed on the base rather than on theleg assemblies, in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Leg assembly104' (FIG. 8) is the same as leg assembly 104 (FIGS. 5A-B) except forthe resilient arms 196 and the absence of the tabs. Leg assembly 104'comprises leg members 178 connected at their lower end by plate 184 andat their upper end by plate 188.

Cross shaped protrusions 194 depend upwardly from the upper surface ofeach member 178. Resilient arms 226 extend upwardly from respective endprotrusions 194 in alignment with corresponding members 178. Arms 226extend into corresponding slots 124 and 140 in base 102'. The upper mostportion of arms 226 include a latch which faces inwardly away from theleg assembly as defined by a retaining edge 228. Edges 228 engagecorresponding retaining ledges 230 and 232 in slots 124 and 140 of base102. It will be appreciated that there are no tabs depending from arms226.

Base 102' (FIGS. 7A-C) is the same as base 102 (FIGS. 3A-C) except fcrretaining edges 126 and 142 and the addition of tabs. Retaining ledges230 are defined at the inner facing surfaces of slots 124 and retainingledges 232 are defined at the outer facing surfaces of slots 140. Alsotabs 234 are disposed at the outer facing surfaces of end members 120and tabs 236 are disposed at the inner facing surfaces of inner members140.

When connecting leg assemblies 104' and 106' to base 102' arms 226 areurged into slots 124 which causes arms 226 to be forced outwardly untilarms 226 snap back inwardly and edges 228 engage ledges 230. The tabsfor defeating the latch of the leg assemblies from the base are locatedsuch that, when pressed inward, resilient upright members 116 aredeflected in a lateral direction; thereby disengaging latch edges 228from base ledges 230 such that the base and legs may be lifted apart.

Referring to FIG. 9, whereto an alternate latch lock mounting means forattaching the wiring block 102" having wiring strip 108 to leg assembly104" is shown. In this embodiment, the wiring strip is the same aswiring strip 108 (FIGS. 4A-B). Resilient clip 238 is attached to leg104" and extends upwardly therefrom. A tab 240 is provided on clip 238to defeat a latch defined by surfaces 242-244. Surface 244 cooperateswith an angled surface 246 of strip 108 when attaching leg 104" to base102", whereby clip 238 is urged outwardly until clip 238 snaps backinwardly and edge 243 engages the upper surface of strip 108.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an additional advantage of the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 2-9 is shown, whereby configuring various combinations ofstandard wiring bases and legs, it is possible to configure a series ofmodular base assemblies with variable capacity in order to accommodate aneeds of a given telecommunications wiring application or installation.An example of such is shown in FIG. 10, wherein combinations of four-rowbases 300 and two and four leg leg assemblies 304, 306 respectively maybe assembled in staggered order to produce a unitary twelve row assembly308. Bases 300 and leg assemblies 304, 306 are of the same typedescribed hereinbefore which is readily understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art. The advantages of this capability include improvedversatility and modularity over existing designs without the addedexpense of dedicated tooling and other associated costs required toprocess and stock non-standard wiring block configurations.

It will be appreciated that any number of wiring strips may be employedwith an appropriate base as is well understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Further, several embodiments for detachably mounting the legassemblies to the base have been disclosed and this detachably is animportant feature of the present invention. Also it is preferred thatthe base, wiring strips and leg assembly be comprised of a suitablemolded plastic, as is known in the art.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, variousmoditications and substitutions may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to beunderstood that the present invention has been described by way ofillustrations and not limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wiring block comprising:at least one wiringstrip, said wiring strip including, (1) a generally rectangular memberhaving first and second pairs of opposing surfaces, and (2) a pluralityof spaced apart teeth extending normally upward from one of said firstsurfaces, said teeth defining a plurality of wire retaining slots, saidteeth having a channel in opposing sides thereof, said adjacent channelsdefining a plurality of openings; a base having first and second pairsof opposing surfaces, said base having opposing ends, said at least onewiring strip removably disposed on one of said first surfaces; and legmeans removably attached to said base at each of said ends.
 2. Thewiring block of claim 1 wherein each of said leg means is removablyattached to said corresponding end of said base by snap lock mountingmeans.
 3. The wiring block of claim 2 wherein said snap lock mountingmeans comprises:at least one end of each of said leg means having aresilient arm disposed thereat, said resilient arm having a retainingedge defined thereon; each of said ends of said base having at least oneslot defined therein; and a retaining ledge defined within each of saidslots of said base, wherein said edges of said leg means engage saidledges of said base.
 4. The wiring block of claim 3 furthercomprising:tab means disposed on said at least one arm, wherebyactuation of said tab means separates the engagement of said edges ofsaid leg means and said ledges of said base.
 5. The wiring block ofclaim 3 wherein said base further comprises:at least one upright memberdisposed at each of said ends of said base, said upright member havingsaid slot therein; and tab means disposed on said at least one uprightmember, whereby actuation of said tab means separates the engagement ofsaid edges of said leg means and said ledges of said base.
 6. The wiringblock of claim 1 wherein said removably attaching each of said leg meansto said corresponding ends of said base comprises:said base having atleast one first attachment hole through said first surfaces near each ofsaid ends; a mounting member disposed at one end of each said leg meanswith at least one second attachment hole therethrough, said first andsecond attachment holes being in alignment; and screw means passingthrough said first and second attachment holes for removably attachingeach of said leg means to said base.
 7. The wiring block of claim 1wherein said at least one wiring strip is disposed on said one of saidfirst surfaces of said base by snap lock mounting means.
 8. The wiringblock of claim 7 wherein said snap lock mounting means comprises:said atleast one wiring strip further including,(1) a rail along the length ofthe other one of said first surfaces of said rectangular member, (2) aplurality of spaced post depending from a surface of said rail, and (3)a pair of resilient arms extending outwardly and upwardly from one endof said post at opposing sides thereof; and said base furtherincluding,(1) at least one corresponding longitudinal channel in saidone of said first surfaces of said base, wherein said rail of saidwiring strip is received, (2) a plurality of spaced holes through saidfirst surfaces of said base within said channel, and (3) an opposingpair of retaining edges defined within each of said spaced holes, oneend of each of said arms engaging said corresponding retaining edgewithin said spaced holes.
 9. The wiring block of claim 7 wherein saidsnap lock mounting means comprises:a resilient clip disposed on saidbase at each end thereof in alignment with said wiring strip, saidresilient clip having a retaining edge for engaging said one of saidfirst surfaces at each end of said wiring strip.
 10. The wiring block ofclaim 1 wherein said at least one wiring strip comprises at least twospaced apart wiring strips; andwherein said base further comprises: atleast one access opening through said first surfaces of said basebetween said adjacent wiring strips to provide an access for wires forattachment to said wiring block.
 11. The wiring block of claim 1 furthercomprising:said base including,(1) at least one upright member disposedat each of said ends of said base, (2) latch means depending from atleast one side of each of said upright members; and (3) stop meansassociated with said latch means and depending from said at least oneside of each of said upright members adjacent to said latch means; andat least one designation strip having side members with means forcooperating with said latch means for retaining said designation stripon said base, said designation strip having ends which abut said stopmeans for further retaining said designation strip on said base.
 12. Thewiring block of claim l.wherein said base further comprises:a pluralityof lateral mounting holes through at least one of said second surfacesto provide lateral attachment of said wiring block.
 13. A wiring blockcomprising:at least two spaced apart wiring strips, each of said wiringstrips including,(1) a generally rectangular member having first andsecond pairs of opposing surfaces, and (2) a plurality of spaced apartteeth extending normally upward from one of said first surfaces, saidteeth defining a plurality of wire retaining slots, said teeth having achannel in opposing sides of said teeth, said adjacent channels defininga plurality of openings; a base having first and second pairs ofopposing surfaces, said base having opposing ends, said at least twospaced apart wiring strips disposed on one of said first surfaces, saidbase having at least one access opening through said first surfaces ofsaid base between adjacent said wiring strips, said at least one accessopening comprising an opening of a size sufficient to provide access toa sufficient number of wires for wiring substantially all positions onsaid wiring strip; and leg means attached to said base at each of saidends.
 14. The wiring block of claim 13 wherein each of said wiringstrips is disposed on said one of said first surfaces of said base bysnap lock mounting means.
 15. The wiring block of claim 13 furthercomprising:said base including,(1) at least one upright member disposedat each of said ends of said base, (2) latch means depending from atleast one side of each of said upright members: and (3) stop meansassociated with said latch means and depending from said at least oneside of each of said upright members adjacent to said latch means; andat least one designation strip having side members with means forcooperating with said latch means for retaining said designation stripon said base, said designation strip having ends which abut said stopmeans for further retaining said designation strip on said base.
 16. Thewiring block of claim 13 wherein said base further comprises:a pluralityof lateral mounting holes through at least one of said second surfacesto provide lateral attachment of said wiring block.
 17. A wiring blockcomprising:at least one wiring strip, said wiring strip including,(1) agenerally rectangular member having first and second pairs of opposingsurfaces. (2) a plurality of spaced apart teeth extending normallyupward from one of said first surfaces, said teeth defiuing a pluralityof wire retaining slots, said teeth having a channel in opposing sidesof said teeth, said adjacent channels defining a plurality of openings,(3) a rail along the length of the other one of said first surfaces ofsaid rectangular member, (4) a plurality of spaced post depending from asurface of said rail, and (5) a pair of resilient arms extendingoutwardly and upwardly from one end of said post at opposing sidesthereof; a base having first and second pairs of opposing surfaces, saidbase having opposing ends, said at least one wiring strip disposed onone of said first surfaces, said base further including,(1) at least oneslot at each of said ends of said base, (2) a retaining ledge definedwithin each of said slots of said base, (3) at least one longitudinalchannel in said one of said first surfaces of said base, wherein saidrail of said wiring strip is received, (4) a plurality of spaced holesthrough said first surfaces of said base within said channel, and (5) anopposing pair of retaining edges defined within each of said spacedholes, one end of each of said arms engaging a corresponding retainingedge within said spaced holes; and leg means removably attached to saidbase at each of said ends, at least one end of each of said leg meanshaving a resilient arm disposed thereat, said resilient arm having aretaining edge defined thereon, wherein said edges of said leg meansengage said ledges of said base.
 18. The wiring block of claim 17further comprising:tab means disposed on said at least one arm, wherebyactuation of said tab means separates the engagement of said edges ofsaid leg means and said ledges of said base.
 19. The wiring block ofclaim 17 wherein said base further comprises:at least one upright memberdisposed at each of said ends of said base, said upright member havingsaid slot therein; and tab means disposed on said at least one uprightmember, whereby actuation of said tab means separates the engagement ofsaid edges of said leg means and said ledges of said base.
 20. Thewiring block of claim 17 wherein said at least one wiring stripcomprises at least two spaced apart wiring strips; andwherein said basefurther comprises; at least one access opening through said firstsurfaces of said base between said adjacent wiring strips to provide anaccess for wires for attachment to said wiring block.
 21. The wiringblock in claim 17 further comprising:a said base including,(1) at leastone upright member disposed at each of said ends of said base, (2) latchmeans depending from at least one side of each of said upright members;and (3) stop means associated with said latch means and depending fromsaid at least one side of each of said upright member adjacent to saidlatch means; and at least one designation strip having side members withmeans for cooperating with said latch means for retaining saiddesignation strip on said base, said designation strip having ends whichabut said stop means for further retaining said designation strip onsaid base.
 22. The wiring block of claim 17, wherein said base furthercomprises:a plurality of lateral mounting holes through at least one ofsaid second surfaces to provide lateral attachment of said moving block..Iadd.
 23. A wiring block comprising:at least one wiring strip, saidwiring strip including,(1) a generally rectangular member having firstand second pairs of opposing surfaces, and (2) a plurality of spacedapart teeth extending normally upward from one of said first surfaces,said teeth defining a plurality of wire retaining slots, said teethhaving a channel in opposing sides thereof, said adjacent channelsdefining a plurality of openings; a base having first and second pairsof opposing surfaces, said base having opposing ends, said at least onewiring strip disposed on one of said first surfaces; and leg meansremovably attached to said base at each of said ends. .Iaddend..Iadd.24. The wiring block of claim 23 wherein each of said leg means isremovably attached to said corresponding end of said base by snap lockmounting means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. The wiring block of claim 24 whereinsaid snap lock mounting means comprises: at least one end of each ofsaid leg means having a resilient arm disposed thereat, said resilientarm having a retaining edge defined thereon; each of said ends of saidbase having at least one slot defined therein; and a retaining ledgedefined within each of said slots of said base, wherein said edges ofsaid leg means engage said ledges of said base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. Thewiring block of claim 25 further comprising: tab means disposed on saidat least one arm, whereby actuation of said tab means separates theengagement of said edges of said leg means and said ledges of said base..Iaddend. .Iadd.27. The wiring block of claim 25 wherein said basefurther comprises:at least one upright member disposed at each of saidends of said base, said upright member having said slot therein; and tabmeans disposed on said at least one upright member, whereby actuation ofsaid tab means separates the engagement of said edges of said leg meansand said ledges of said base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. The wiring block ofclaim 23 wherein said removably attaching each of said leg means to saidcorresponding ends of said base comprises: said base having at least onefirst attachment hole through said first surfaces near each of saidends; a mounting member disposed at one end of each said leg means withat least one second attachment hole therethrough, said first and secondattachment holes being in alignment; and screw means passing throughsaid first and second attachment holes for removably attaching each ofsaid leg means to said base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29. The wiring block ofclaim 23 wherein said at least one wiring strip is disposed on said oneof said first surfaces of said base by snap lock mounting means..Iaddend. .Iadd.30. The wiring block of claim 29 wherein said snap lockmounting means comprises:said at least one wiring strip furtherincluding,(1) a rail along with length of the other one of said firstsurfaces of said rectangular member, (2) a plurality of spaced postdepending from a surface of said rail, and (3) a pair of resilient armsextending outwardly and upwardly from one end of said post at opposingsides thereof; and said base further including,(1) at least onecorresponding longitudinal channel in said base, wherein said rail ofsaid wiring strip is received, (2) a plurality of spaced holes throughsaid first surfaces of said base within said channel, and (3) anopposing pair of retaining edges defined within each of said spacedholes, one end of each of said arms engaging said correspondingretaining edge within said spaced holes. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. The wiringblock of claim 29 wherein said snap lock mounting means comprises: aresilient clip disposed on said base at each end thereof in alignmentwith said wiring strip, said resilient clip having a retaining edge forengaging said one of said first surfaces at each end of said wiringstrip. .Iaddend. .Iadd.32. The wiring block of claim 23 wherein said atleast one wiring strip comprises at least two spaced apart wiringstrips; and wherein said base further comprises: at least one accessopening through said first surfaces of said base between said adjacentwiring strips to provide an access for wires for attachment to saidwiring block. .Iadd.33. The wiring block of claim 23 furthercomprising:said base including,(1) at least one upright member disposedat each of said ends of said base, (2) latch means depending from atleast one side of each of said upright members, and (3) stop meansassociated with said latch means and depending from said at least oneside of each of said upright members adjacent to said latch means; andat least one designation strip having side members with means forcooperating with said latch means for retaining said designation stripon said base, said designation strip having ends which abut said stopmeans for further retaining said designation strip on said base..Iaddend. .Iadd.34. The wiring block of claim 23 wherein said basefurther comprises: a plurality of lateral mounting holes through atleast one of said second surfaces to provide lateral attachment of saidwiring block. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35. A wiring block comprising:at least onewiring strip, said wiring strip including,(1) a generally rectangularmember having first and second pairs of opposing surfaces, and (2) aplurality of spaced apart teeth extending normally upward from one ofsaid first surfaces, said teeth defining a plurality of wire retainingslots, said teeth having a channel in opposing sides thereof, saidadjacent channels defining a plurality of openings; a base having firstand second pairs of opposing surfaces, said base having opposing ends,said at least one wiring strip disposed on one of said first surfaces;and leg means attached to said base at each of said ends of said base bysnap lock mounting means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36. The wiring block of claim37 wherein said snap lock mounting means comprises:at least one end ofeach of said leg means having a resilient arm disposed thereat, saidresilent arm having a retaining edge defined thereon: each of said endsof said base having at least one slot defined therein; and a retainingledge defined within each of said slots of said base, wherein said edgesof said leg means engage said ledges of said base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.37.The wiring block of claim 36 further comprising: tab means disposed onsaid at least one arm, whereby actuation of said tab means separates theengagement of said edges of said leg means and said ledges of said base..Iaddend. .Iadd.38. The wiring block of claim 36 wherein said basefurther comprises: at least one upright member disposed at each of saidends of said base, said upright member having said slot therein: and tabmeans disposed on said at least one upright member, whereby actuation ofsaid tab means separates the engagement of said edges of said leg meansand said ledges of said base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.39. The wiring block ofclaim 37 wherein said at least one wiring strip is disposed on said oneof said first surfaces of said base by snap lock mounting means..Iaddend. .Iadd.40. The wiring block of claim 39 wherein said snap lockmounting means comprises:said at least one wiring strip furtherincluding,(1) a rail along the length of the other one of said firstsurfaces of said rectangular member, (2) a plurality of spaced postdepending from a surface of said rail, and (3) a pair of resilient armsextending outwardly and upwardly from one end of said post at opposingsides thereof; and said base further including,(1) at least onecorresponding longitudinal channel in said one of said first surfaces ofsaid base, wherein said rail of said wiring strip is received, (2) aplurality of spaced holes through said first surfaces of said basewithin said channel, and (3) an opposing pair of retaining edges definedwithin each of said spaced holes, one end of each of said arms engagingsaid corresponding retaining edge within said spaced holes. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. The wiring block of claim 39 wherein snap lock mounting meanscomprises: a resilient clip disposed on said base at each end thereof inalignment with said wiring strip, said resilient clip having a retainingedge for engaging said one of said first surfaces at each end of saidwiring strip. .Iaddend. .Iadd.42. The wiring block of claim 35 whereinsaid at least one wiring strip comprises at least two spaced apartwiring strips; and wherein said base further comprises: at least oneaccess opening through said first surfaces of said base between saidadjacent wiring strips to provide an access for wires for attachment tosaid wiring block. .Iaddend. .Iadd.43. The wiring block of claim 35further comprising:said base including,(1) at least one upright memberdisposed at each of said ends of said base, (2) latch means dependingfrom at least one side of each of said upright members, and (3) stopmeans associated with said latch means and depending from said at leastone side of each of said upright members adjacent to said latch means;and at least one designation strip having side members with means forcooperating with said latch means for retaining said designation stripon said base, said designation strip having ends which abut said stopmeans for further retaining said designation strip on said base..Iaddend. .Iadd.44. The wiring block of claim 35 wherein said basefurther comprises: a plurality of lateral mounting holes through atleast one of said second surfaces to provide lateral attachment of saidwiring block. .Iaddend.